Death <=== My first story

Chapter 1 - Memories

Wind whipped across the warrior's foot, sweeping along leaves from the old oak tree that stood in

front of him. His face, worn by centuries of fighting, and muscles that were thicker than any great

ones. His black hair blew behind, waving in patterns of the wind. The warrior blinked once, and his

thoughts zoomed to an old past memory.

"Zen, come here and sit with me," spoke an old man shaking uncontrollably on the bench he sat

upon.

"Yes great-grandfather," he replied, his red eyes focusing on his elder. He walked swiftly to the

old man, and sat on the right side of his elder, as was the custom his people commanded.

"When i come to pass, and you find yourself searching, look to the Walnut tree that stands in

Grimsborth, and it will answer all of your questions. I am sure you will find it, as its trunk and

branches are but the oldest of all trees.

"Do not speak of these things, Tigris, for may hell rain its words to life, and set them to truth,"

commanded Zen, his voice turning cold.

"And yet I will speak if hell can establish its will. You must accept the fact!"

"Then accept it I will, but we will talk no more this," replied Zen. He rose to his feet and

walked away. A single tear fell from his face and soaked itself into the sacred valley of Ekcho

------------------------------------------

Chapter 2 - Chance


"How do you manage to travel through the forest like this? Don't you ever get tired at all?"

groaned Terra.

"Humans aren't exactly made for the woods," grunted Norris. Only elves, such as me, can

travel through this forest with ease.

"Let us stop, i can bear no longer the load the i carry on my shoulders,"

"Fine."

Terra dropped his bag nearby a grand oak tree. He planted himself on a nearby old bench and

heaved a deep sigh.

"Let us rest not for too long, for the rider we pursue may have took at least 6 leagues ahead

of us today." said Norris.

"I am only human, only human." chuckled Terra. "Perhaps you elves can cast your magic upon

me and change me into some your fairfolk eh?"

"That would kill us, the amount of energy to supply that would take up half the energy that

the sun can supply us." said Norris simply.

"Aye," Terra said, his eyes dropping down.

"Or we can draw upon the Earth's energy and supply ourselves with it, but the skill is not yet

discovered."

"Ill be right back," replied Terra. He took leave and stumbled through the forest, occasionally

cussing or swearing when a branch happened to swipe him. He tripped over a vine and landed face

down. "Fuck," he swore. He hoisted himself using the support of a branch. "Can a man get no re-,"

he did not finish his sentence. His eyes froze onto an old abandoned house. Its roof, half shattered

by the rain and sun. Weeds wrapped themselves around the mess. Terra took one step forward then

froze, paralyzed at the sight before him. A single skeleton laid before him, its shape twisted in

inhuman ways. The expression of its face shook away Terra's manhood and he sprinted away back

to camp. He found Norris sitting at the same exact spot before he left. Norris stared at him with

blank eyes, unable to yield any emotions.

"What happened to you, did a snake bite your piss? Speak!" Norris demanded.

"Before i can tell you what occured, tell me the name of this cursed place." Terra ranted.

"The Sacred Valley of Ekcho,"

"Are there not stories of this place?"

"Only one old one, once considered to be a myth to all."

"Tell me," Terra said, waving his hand in Norris's direction.

"Sit back, for it is a long one, and a sad one, that will dampen your eyes, and your soul go

flying."

Terra nodded for him to continue.

"Beware that this may or not be true, so whatever you do find out later on about the story,

do not come blaming me."

"Please continue already."

"Half a thousand years ago, in the cove beside an old house in the Valley of Ekcho, a young

boy was born to a family of great warriors, who lived un-naturally long. This boy was named Zen.

"After the first great warrior?" Terra interrupted.

"Please allow me to continue,"

"Aye, im sorry."

"As i was saying, before you interrupted me," Norris said, narrowing his eyes at Terra. "This

baby was named Zen. It was when he was 12 when he showed any skill in swordsmanship. Legend

says that he found a ghost, and slaughtered it, with only his half and half sword, which is any deed

worthy enough for any hero. He was then taken to the Sacred Temple Of Ekcho, where the

greatest teachings of the skill of sword reside. An old man, Tigris, taught Zen the secrets arts of

the sword. Tigris was a re-knowned swordsman back then. Not many people know, but Tigris was

also Zen's great-grandfather. When Zen mastered the sword, after 100 years of learning, he left the

family. No one knew where he went, but he dissapeared for 700 years. Once in a while, there would

a whisper saying that he would be one place, or another, but only whispers. So long he was gone,

that many thought he was dead. Not only did many thought that he was dead (the ones that were

still alive), but many people also forgot about Zen and his family, for they all died off in battles,

overuse in magic, mostly the work of foes. Only Tigris was left, vowing that he would wait until Zen

returned. Then, on the summer solstice on the Blood-Oath ceremony, Zen returned. He was not the

Zen that anyone remembered. Zen's eyes turned red, his muscles were large, his shoulders broad,

and he carried a new sword, called Therindil. He and Tigris met, and discussed the matters at hand,

but only very little. The next day, Zen left, no one knew why. Did Tigris say something? We may

never know. But what we do know, is that Tigris died, 4 days after Zen left. Killed in an

assassination sent by who knows. That is all i know, but all this talking has sent the sun down, and

we must continue our journey. Our rider we pursue may be sleeping and we can finally seize him and

kill him. But for now, we journey."

"Aye," Terra said. He grunted as he pulled his heavy sack onto his shoulders, still

pondering about the story, and they continued their journey.

-------------------

Chapter 3 - Clan Zamato


Zen's eyes darted to the deer that sat hidden in a patch of bushes. He raised his bow and took aim.

Looking down the shaft, he released his arrow. His arrow found his target and the deer collasped

without sound. Zen walked over to the deer and used magick to cut the deer into little pieces. He

then used magick to cook the meat. When all was done, he plumped himself on a tree and began

eating.

"I kill for food, i kill for the reason to feed me," Zen told himself. His pulse calmed. When he finished,

he began his hike back up a hill. "Fuck, fuck, fuck! Fuck this hill for being so steep." He swore. When

he reached the top of the mountain, he jumped off the hill and landed 500 feet below. His swift

landing created no sound whatsoever and the birds did not fly from their nests.

"What is your reason for trespassing our lands?" asked a smooth, devil voice.

"I have my reasons Yakato, none that you should know,"

"tsk tsk, why so cold, you still owe me."

"That debt was repaid in the fight of Tabutan,"

"Oh was it? I do not remember, do you mind if you refresh my memory? It can get old over time."

"Shut your mouth you son of a dog and camel. I know of your tricks, do no think that you can feed

off my memories. I know you would love to invade my mind of the secret arts, but that would leave

you blathering and stupid.

"Only if you just let me in, ill be gentle with them,"

"Begone you foul oath, and leave me be, before i behead you and feed you to the carrions.

"So be it Zen, but you'll regret this." Screamed the evil voice (now not soft and smooth).

with a swift motion, it faded away with the wind.

"It has begun," Zen said to himself. His eyes brimmed with tears. "i will not let these murderers get

away with this." Zen began his journey stopping only to rest and drink from a river or lake. It was

not long before he passed the sign 'Clan Zamato.'

-------------------

Chapter 4 - Legend


"I found him! I found him!" Whispered Terra feriously.

"Im coming, be still until i get there," replied Norris inside terra's mind. Norris arrived moments later

near Terra's side.

"Do you see him?" Terra asks eagerly. "Do you see the rider?!"

"Yes, but he seems so vulnerable, it might be a trap."

"Shut up," Terra snapped. "He just not expecting an attack."

"We're here to discover information, not to murder a person."

"Right..."

"Terra i need you to follow the trees in a circle until you are behind the rider, i will stay here, when

you see a rock land on the ground next to the rider, spring out and attack."

"Fine," Terra grunted. He trudged around the rider, keeping in mind to stay hidden. He made sure to

not trip over a rock, or a vine, or any small vile animal that got in his way. When he was in position,

he waved his hand. A second later, a small pointed obsidian landed in front of the stranger (rider).

Terra sprung from where he hid and with a devilish cry, heaved his 2-hand sword into the air and

brought it onto the riders head.

The instant Terra sprung out, Norris leaped out of the tree he was in and threw 2 poison darts

toward the stranger. With inhuman swiftness, the rider stabbed Terra in the

leg, and deflected the 2 darts with a flick of a wrist. The 2 bullets went

zooming back to Norris. He dodged the first one as it advanced to his hip,

but was unable to dodge the second one, which punctured his hip. He fell

to the ground with a soft thump and an inhuman expression on his face.

"Why would 2 fighters pursue a legendary character," the voice said quietly.

"To understand legends and myths and the history that can change the

world," gasped Norris. His breath came in quick wheezes.

"Then i warn you not to follow me, or you will lose your lives, and i do not

wish to end them when you are so young of age," said the cloaked stranger.

"I would not abandon this adventure of a mere threat," coughed Terra. His

fallen 2-hand sword beside his waist. "Nor would i die without accomplishing

what i set out for."

The rider sighed to himself. "What shall i do with you two idiots?" The rider

sat himself down on a rock, and pondered his thoughts for sometime. He was

as still as a rock, with a blank expression. His red eyes penetrated the earth.

and his long black hair flew to the right, flapping wildly in response to the

wind. He finally stirred, and his eyes slowly flickered to Norris. He stood up,

walked to Norris, and briefly whispered to him. Terra laid motionless, staring

at the two. Norris nodded and then looked over at Terra. "We continue our

seperate ways, but he promises to tell us his story of his life, when he meets

us in the end."

"End?" Terra asked with a puzzled and angry expression.

"This is where we part, and i wish you luck. May fortune allow us to meet

again," whispered the stranger. Then his lips moved, to chant a spell. Terra's

wound resealed and Norris's dart popped out of his hip, and his hip mended.

Without any further words, the stranger stood up, and walked down the road

and dissapeared in a matter of seconds.

----------------------------------------

Chapter 5 - Continuation


Zen blinked. His encounter with the two, elf and human, puzzled him. He had

not thought that anyone had remembered legends of him and his family.

Nevertheless, it proved that people still cling to the legend, and search

for answers. He pushed away the thought and concentrated on finding

Tigris's murderers. Once he comitted to finding them, he would not rest.

"Fowl oath breakers," he swore. "They promised to leave us alone. God damn

them to eternal hell."

A dark shape leapt from a branch to the other. And second shape did the

similar to his other side. Zen froze. Eyes focusing on both sides, searching

for the smallest change in the enviroment. He then pretended to look as if

he did not see a thing, and began walking down the road. He saw a figure

spring from the tree on his right side. Zen immediately gripped the pommel of

his sword, and slashed outward. A shower of sparks exploded as their blades

met. The moment the figure on his right leapt out, the figure from the left

sprung out. As Zen fought his first opponent, he kicked his 2nd opponent in

the stomach, sending him hurtling 10ft away and striking a branch. A burst of leaves fell

as he struck the branch. The figure did not move after that. Zen then struck

a series of complex moves that Tigris taught him. Slashing overhead, then

faking to the stomach, and a kick to the leg, then a stab to the chest. The

technique never failed him in long challenges. Blow after blow, Zen gained

ground, and his opponent's attacked wavered. Then, with a flick of a wrist,

Zen sent his opponent's half sword, half dagger spinning out of his hands.

Zen then flicked his wrist so that the sword's tip pointed directly at his

enemy's throat.

"Do you know who you face? DO YOU KNOW HOW YOU FACE?!" Zen screamed

"Ak, Le me da la shin de me go ash!" yelled his enemy.

"I don't speak gibberish you fucking asshole!"

"Don't kill me!" his opponent replied in english.

"Why did you try to kill me? Answer the question!" Zen demanded. His head

covered in drops of sweat.

"To stop you from getting to the Zamato Clan!"

"It was a sorry mistake, but i will not kill you." Zen whispered. He whispered

3 words and his enemy's head drooped to the side.

"Did you kill him?" asked a voice behind Zen's back. He felt the cold touch of

metal to his skin. His mind raced through many possibilities of how to kill

his opponent. He landed on one and held it.

"No."

The withdrawal of the metal allowed him to turn around to face his 2nd

opponent, who had recovered from the blow.

"Your kick is strong, i have not seen one that strong." his opponent said

gravely.

"Centuries of practice," Zen said simply. He did not wish to reveal anymore of

himself. His opponent sensed it as well, and withdrew away.

"Pray that we never meet again," said his opponent, and with one swift jump,

leapt on a branch and vanished into the trees. Zen stood there, mystified,

and puzzled, but grateful that he survived to continue his journey to avenge

Tigris.

-------------------------------

Chapter 6 - War


Terra trudged along the path. Along him, Norris walked quietly with his darts

in a pocket, and a bow on his back.

"I need a break," Terra said quietly.

"We had one 15 minutes ago,"

"Again, im just human."

"It serves you right," glared Norris. But he sat down on a log anyway.

With a groan, Terra sat down. He opened his brown bag, worn and dirtied

away from traveling, and pulled out few pieces of meat and a stale piece of

bread. He was grateful to have them anyway. Norris just sat nearby

listening pleasantly to the birds and staring at the nice sky-blue sky.

I wonder if there are any planets with life such as this, terra asked

himself.In the midst of their peace, a single horn cry sang over the trees.

"I know that horn," Terra stood up quickly. Sweat brushed over his eyebrows. Beads of sweat rolled

down his temple.

"The horn of Evland?" Norris asked with a concerned look on his face.

"The horn to tell when there's a battle," Terra said gravely. "My town is in danger." I must take

leave.

"I understand, and i will accompany," Norris said, standing up. A determined look crossed his face.

"Then i thank, but we have to leave right now"

Terra packed his bag, then took off with a full sprint. Norris did likewise, except at a much faster

pace. It was almost 3 hours before they stopped. Terra dropped to the floor, panting like a dog

without water.

"I . . . n. . . need . . .r . . . r . . .rest," he said shakily. Norris sat quietly on a stump, seeming no less

tired than they had started off.

"Take your re-," Norris was stopped in mid-sentence. A single horn cry sounded in the nearby

distance.

"Was the horn cry sounding in the other direction?" Terra asked, eyes widening.

"Yes."

"Fuck!" Terra swore. "We were running in the wrong direction?"

"No, they merely moved the battle more north. We merely ran past them."

"Damn,"

"It's ok, when we hear clashing of shields and swords, we will join. Happy?"

"I am content"
--------------------------------------

Chapter 7 - Battle


"Wake up, the battle has started, we must join the field." Spoke Norris in a hurried voice. Terra

stirred. Eyes blinking twice, thrice, then adjusting to the light. He slowly hoisted himself up.

"We go," Terra said. He buckled his sword, swung his pack, and put on his shield. Norris was waiting

for him on the outer side of the forest.

A wide clearing stretched in front of them, filled with only small shrubs and entire fields of green

grass. A old apple tree stood alone in the center. Small animals scampered across. Beyond,

stretched 2 whole armies. All waiting for one to make a move.

"It feels good to get out of the forest," Terra said.

"I feel vulnerable without cover of trees, but i am still deadly just as in the forest. Only a matter

of self feelings." Norris replied. They began to walk, then run, then sprint. Terra breathed in, and

exhaled out in quick small puffs. Norris did likewise, only taking longer strides. They neared the

2 armies in a matter of minutes. Terra started toward the army closest to them.

"wait, you do no know friend from foe, hide in the tall grass and see who is who." advised Norris.

"Good idea."

The horn sounded again, except that it came from the opposite army of Norris and Terra.

"Crap we're on the wrong army," Terra said.

"We're fine, that just gives us an advantage, to attack from the back," Norris said calmly.

"You have a point."

Then, the horn of Evland sounded again. And its army advanced to the opposing army, who were

garbed all in black armor. Its commander sat on the top of a giant black horse, with a giant lance

at the ready. The commander gave his lance to a servant, and then pulled out the sword, and

swung it forward. He called, "Arrows!" The whole 8th and 9th lines pulled arrows, aimed, and fired.

Evland's army commander ordered all troops to bend down, and to stick all shields pointing upward,

to avoid the incoming arrows. They lost few men. The Black army took advantage of their distraction

and sprinted toward Evland's first line. In a few moments, Evland's first line fell, along with the 2nd.

The morale on the 3rd line almost broke, until the commander joined the battle, which renewed their

hope.

"We attack now!" Norris said. He aimed at the Black Army's commander with his 2 darts and flung

them at him. The commander slowly fell off his horse, with 1 dart protruding

in his lower belly, and a 2nd in his rib cage. The servant quickly rushed

to his fallen host and began to carry him back to a tent. 10 guards

followed. The 13th line of the Black army wavered at the sight of their

fallen commander. They began to inch slowly away from the battle.

Evland's 3rd line fell, and the 4th one wavered. The right was being harrassed

by the Black Army's axemen. And the left by horsemen. Evland's commander

then was injured and taken out of battle. The 4th line broke ranks. Norris

and Terra ran to the Black Army's 13th column and began harassing them.

Terra quickly fell 8 troops with the advantage of surprise and Norris

felled 38 with use of magick. The Black Army's 13th column consisted of

bowmen. Those who only carried daggers. Seeing their mighty foes, they

broke and ran. The Black Army's 12th line was puzzled at why the comrades

were not behind them. Norris and Terra quickly too advantage of their

disorganization and hacked down 8 people each. 2 knights from the corners

of the base spotted Terra and Norris harassing the 12th line and charged at

them. Norris jumped out the way and stabbed the 1st knight in the rib cage.

Terra jumped up and kicked the 2nd one of his horse and then stood

above the knight and brought the sword down upon his chest. Seeing 2

elite warriors fallen, the 12th line broke formation and routed. Norris brought

down 18 soldiers with magick. Terra seemed to gain momentum after each

kill.

"Fuck you son of a bitches!" Terra shouted in rage, eyes burning with hate.

"Commander! 2 strangers are hacking our back lines! Orders Sir!" Screamed

an idiot soldier. His head was lopped off by Terra. The 11th line was waiting

for them with their daggers drawn. They had seen the commotion and

prepared themselves. When Terra and Norris busied themselves in other

soldiers, the 11th charged at them, slashing with fury. Terra recieved a

stab in the leg and a cut on the cheek. Norris recieved 1 cut on his arm and

that was all. The 10th line, who was used as a reinforce for the 11th line

stood, waiting. Because they were Infantry, spearmen, and knights, they

would be much harder to kill. As the 11th line began to diminish, the 10th

line charged. A spear stabbed Terra's arm, and a sword whipped across his

collar bone. Norris was slashed across the forehead, and his hand had

a broken knuckle. As the fight wore on, exhaustion proved to be their

greatest adversary. As the 11th line slowly, but steadily diminished, Terra

dropped to the ground, his face smeared with gore, and armor reaked with

filth. A pool of blood surrounded him and a mountain of bodies stood under

neath him. Men had to clamber up the bodies to reach him, often slipping

on a shield, or a arm. With his advantage, he stabbed at incoming heads

and chests. A fierce laugh erupted from his chest and he jumped off the

mountain of bodies, landing on 4 men, and stabbing 2 men in a row with a

spear. His sword was his power, his shield was his reserve. Men eventually

cowered beneath Norris and Terra. pretty soon, only the 6th and 5th column

remained, who were to busy fighting Evland's army to take notice.

Terra and Norris sat back. Norris occasionally using magick to kill 100 troops

so. The remainder of Evland's army consisted only of the 8th, 9th, and 10th

line. While the Black army consisted of the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, and Elite

(which had 1000 troops in it, while the others had 250). Norris and Terra

got up and began slashing at the back line. The Black Army's line diminished and Evland's army won

the battle. With nothing else to kill, Terra slumped to the ground. He looked at Norris, who stood

standing in the red sun. Suddenly commotion stirred in Evland's army. 4 Black robed figures ran

toward Norris and Terra. Terra and Norris took action and went to face their opponents. Seconds

later, the fight started. As Norris slayed one, Terra was constantly pushed back by one tough black

robed figure. A single thump on the back of his head blacked Terra's vision, and he stumped to the

ground.

-----------------------------------------

Chapter 8 - Fury Sword


The wind bellowed against Zen. His face dirtied by the constant blowing of sand and wind. The

trees tried to prevent the wind from wrecking them down, but with no success. Hundreds of trees

ripped apart, and flew away. Only Zen could maintain his balance. To secure his inner core with

thoughts of peace, would allow him to do what ever he wanted with a lot, or complete success.

He passed a sign '1mi to the Clan Zamato.' he took a deep breath and proceeded.

It was 6:00pm when he reached the Zamato clan. Its doors were barred shut, and windows closed.

That was to be expected due to the wind. Zen pounded on the door. He waited there briefly for 4

minutes. No one answered, and again he pounded the door. Again, no one answered. Summoning

all of his strength, Zen punched the door, and it went flying into the dark corners of the room.

Almost instantly, 6 darts shot out toward Zen and he lazily sidestepped them all. A 7th dart

shot out, shot a little after the call to fire, and Zen lazily flicked it away with his wrist. 7 figures

rushed out at him, swords among their hands. They brandished the swords so menacingly, Zen

took half a step back before advancing. He sliced through the first 2 and drew his daggers, holding

one upward(normal way), and holding one upside down. He spun around in a fury and hacked at

3 opponents, they succumbed to the daggers. The last two, he finished off easily with magick,

sending one flying to a spear and embedding himself on it, and the other snapped neck.

As soon as he finished the last 2 opponents, he started up the stairs. He was blocked by 4

muscular men and 3 men garbed in black. Zen whispered 4 words in magick and had himself

duplicated. He had 3 mirror images of himself. They looked like him, and when they attacked though,

did no damage. Easily confusing all of his opponents, he hacked down 3 muscular men, and finished

off 2 garbed in with magick. Piece of cake. He then sliced the remaining guards up with his sword.

As he entered the door, a single knife spun at him and he turned sideways, dodging the knife by 1

centimeter and catching it at the same time. Zen saw a single sword speed

at him through the air, and he parried it with the knife that was thrown at

him. With a single motion, he swept under the knife that lunged at him, and

stabbed his attacker in the heart. The opponent uttered a gutteral sound

then sank to the floor.

"Bitch," Zen spat.

"You came," asked a familiar devil, smooth voice.

"Yakato." Zen whispered. His spine was chilled. His hair on an end.

A blade unsheathed itself from behind Zen. Zen turned around, daggers

at the ready.

"When i finish with you, ill toast bread over your burnt livers," snarled Zen.

"That's an if, my friend. Only an if"

"But that if, is a 90% chance that you're throat will be sliced.

"We'll see," snarled Yakato. With a feral snarl, he lunged at Zen, who

underestimated Yakato, and recieved a sharp rap across his right hip.

Zen winced in pain, but lunged at yakato with all his strength. With one

flick of a wrist, Yakato parried Zen's attack, and disarmed him. With his

daggers gone, Zen unsheathed his sword. Spinning it around like

a devilish.

"This will be fun," taunted Yakato. Zen fell to the taunt and screamed with

rage. His mistake was a stab in the lower rib cage. Zen fell to the floor with

a ragged gasp. His voice broken, and his body stiff.

"Your mistake will be your death," Yakato sneered.

"Not my death, but your downfall," Zen gasped. He staggered to his feet.

"You won't give up will you?" Yakato snarled.

"Never."

Then your death will be nice and slow.

Inner peace, Zen told himself. Find the power that resides in you.

he sought his power, and grasped it, barely within his reach, with

new power, Zen suddenly woke up from his pain. He slowly raised his sword.

His eyes narrowed at his fierce foe.

"Any last words?" Yakato snarled

"Yeah. Fuck You."

"Die!" Yakato screamed as he lunged at Zen. Zen at the last moment, used

magick and teleported himself behind Yakato, and stabbed him in the heart.

Yakato stood there, stunned, and dazed, and im-mobolized. With a final loud

screech, Yakato's face exploded, and dozens of black spirits rushed out of

his body, and into the blue sky. Zen sat down, clearly pleased with himself

on avenging his great-grandfather.
-------------------------------------

Chapter 9 - Awake


Terra woke up around midday. His head hurt and his body ached. His hands

were smeared with blood and had one broken finger. Terra groaned as he

sat up.

"You've been sleeping quite some time now. I thought you would never get

up," said a gentle voice.

"Norris?" Terra asked.

"Nah im a bad guy, of course im Norris idiot,"

"What happened?"

"Lie back down and ill tell you."

"Fine."

"Okay. Well we faced 4 bad dudes in black. I slayed one, you got knocked

out. Your opponent was above you, ready to finish you off, so i used magick

to eliminate him. Now i have 2 people on me. I finished one with a stab

to the heart and the other a stab to the eye. Then i carried you back here,

and Evland's army took care of you.

5 days later

"Ok lets go." terra said

"ok, wait up terra," norris called

"ok."

"thanks"

"Where do we go then?" Terra asked. His black eyes examining the map they

held.

"I figure we head west for 6mi, then east for 4mi, then north for 1mi." Norris

said simply.

"That leads us to . . ."

"The Sacred Valley of Ekcho."

Terra broke off into a fast sprint, with Norris closely behind. An occasional

glance to his back to make sure that Norris was behind him.

As they switched east for 4mi they saw a stranger cloaked in black, also

running, on the other side of the trees. Terra and Norris soon stopped, tired

the day's events. But the stranger in black kept running, and running, until

he vanished from sight.

The next day, they went north for 1mi. Soon, valleys and hills appeared, and

the large ruined house also came to view, but the skeleton that was there

dissapeared.

"Where did the ske-" Terra was cut off as the wind blew and a stump fell

to the ground.

"Look there Terra," Norris said, pointing at a hill a few hundred meters away.

There sat the cloaked stranger, bending over the skeleton. A fire burned

beside him, dancing in the wind.

"Lets go," said Terra. As they arrived near the stranger, the stranger looked

up. He had red eyes and long black hair.

"You!" Terra said.

"Yes, me." said the stranger, pulling off his cloak hat. There, in front of

Terra, stood a legend, a myth, a brilliant warrior, Zen.
---------------------------

Chapter 10 - A Promise FullFilled



"I think i owe you a story." The stranger said.

"Yes." said Terra, dazed.

"Sit back, Terra," said Norris, who was already sitting on a log.

"As for as i know," started the stranger. I am the only living person of my clan

left. They died by many various reasons. Overuse in magick, fighting, etc.

I was 12 when i showed skill in sword, seeing that i killed Ghoul."

"Oh so it wasnt a ghost?" Norris asked.

"No. Anyway, i was taken to the Sacred Temple of Ekcho Valley, and was

taught there by a legend, Tigris. He was like a father, but he knew that he

would die one day, a fact which i refused to believe. I trained with him for

over a century, then i left. Out of love, i was blinded, so i pursued a girl

that i believed loved me for who i was. No, not exactly, she loved me for

my connections to my clan. When she left me, i mourned, and mourned.

Blinding myself to the world. I guess that in order to mature, you must truly

feel sadness. I then returned to Tigris, 700 years later, because i fought

to keep sadness from my mind. I stayed with him for one day, but he chose

to talk about his death. I left the next day, unable to bear the truth.

4 days later, Tigris is kill by a neighboring clan

that promised not to attack us. I then set out to punish those people.

And on my way, i met you guys, who ambushed me, but got bested.

"I see," said Norris.

"But we can be your companions," Terra.

"Umm . . .," Zen hesitated, pondering the idea of having companions. "i do like

the idea of having companions, but what if one of you shall pass? The grief,

or guilt would be too much for me.

"Then i died for a reason, a reason for you to live," said Terra.

"So be it, we are companions from this forth." said Zen, grinning. "We set

for the Night Elf Camp tomorrow.

"Agreed," said Norris.





The End



Continued in Story 2